Welcome once again to 'Blog Post Monday'!
This is a special instalment of my Blog, not only because of a rather fascinating find, but because today is the launch of my new Source Vintage YouTube channel!
I intend to use my channel to tell you about interesting finds and to review antique shops, centres and fairs that I visit. It's basically going to be an insight into my life as an antiques dealer. So, if you enjoy your antiques shows, then you're probably going to enjoy this. Be sure to subscribe so that you get notified when I add new videos to my channel. I'm a bit nervous about it, I'm not generally one for being in front of a camera, but I'm going to give it a damn good go.
Anyway, enough of these shameless plugs! Let's get down to business.
I have a bit of a fascination with Space travel and exploration. From trying to build spaceships with my brother as a child, to watching the myriad of wonderful 80's and 90's space movies ('Flight of the Navigator' and 'Explorers', to name but a few), as well as the fairly recent BBC series, 'The Planets', I just can't get enough. I've watched the 'The Planets' series at least 10 times, mainly to try and get my head around everything, but also because I'm just amazed by it all.
Obviously, we had NASA's recent 'Perseverance' landing to enjoy and having read more and more about their mission, I'm completely mind blown by the science of it all. And just remember, with this mission, they are seeking signs of ancient life and are collecting samples of rock, and regolith (broken rock and soil), for possible return to Earth. I urge you all to read up on how they are intending to do this too, it will blow your minds!
Anyway, now I've set the scene for you, this brings me on to this week's blog post. This week I'm going to tell you about one of my most, I suppose, bizarre purchases of all time. And this is an extra special blog post, because not only are you getting a written account, but I've also created my very first YouTube video about this find and embedded it into this post. So you're getting double for your money this week!
So, as always, get that kettle on, get the popcorn out, buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life...into Space! T-minus 10...9...8...7...
A while ago, I found a fascinating set of four personal vintage reel-to-reel home sound recordings of the original Apollo X and XI coverage. A personal keep sake of the Moon landings from the United States! There are four reels all marked up with exactly what’s on them, as well as strict instructions of the order they must be listened to.
Unlike many of you, I'm not old enough to have been around for the Moon Landings, but it's something I would have loved to have witnessed! Yes, you can watch all of the footage on TV and see the pictures, but there is something very special about a reel-to-reel live recording of a family sitting down to watch this event that just really brings it all to life for me.
Luckily for me, I have a Music Producer wife who just so happens to have a reel-to-reel player. So, today, I thought it might be quite interesting to have a listen to a few snippets from these reels to find out exactly what's on them, and you can tell me whether it does the same to your nether regions, as it does to mine... I found it all quite thrilling!
However, I should explain at this stage, that the reels have been used to record on both sides. Therefore, to be able to listen to it more clearly, you really do need a particular type of reel-to-reel player. Nevertheless, the one we have will suffice, albeit the recording from the other side of the tape does interfere with the sound a bit, particularly the launch... Typical...!!
Anyway, you can watch my YouTube video below and find out a little bit more about them. I should say that this was my first ever attempt at editing a video, so it's a bit all over the place, so please forgive me...!
These reels are available to buy here . However, please remember that you will need a domestic quarter track player to play them. Unfortunately, the player we have in the video is stereo, which meant that the sound quality was messy.
Well, that's it for this week folks. I hope you've enjoyed this rather different 'Blog Post Monday'. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, particularly about my first YouTube video. I promise they will get better! Also, let me know if there is any particular antiques related content that you'd like to see me do on my new channel.
So, until next week, stay safe, keep buying those antiques and keep spreading that Source Vintage love!
Cheerio!
Stephen
Owner Source Vintage
Shop from Source Vintage here
GB – Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and for the encouragement, I really appreciate it! :)
L – I’m hoping my videos will improve with time and with confidence. Thanks so much for the encouragement and for taking the time to comment :)
Sue – Thank you! :) The hair is growing back faster than ever! It’s so lovely to hear about your memories of the moon landing. I can’t believe you have a copy of ‘Flight of the Navigator’!! I may need to borrow this from you! Thanks so much for your continued support of everything I’m doing, it really does mean a lot :)
Wonderful stuff Steve!! Looking forward to your next video 📹 ❤
You are so amazing! Can’t wait to see more videos from you!! 😍😍
What a fabulous idea!
I must say, you look good in a space suit……..and your hair has recovered too I see!
I remember watching the moon landing very well. We got baby Duncan out of his cot and sat him in front of the TV that night……..so he would be able to say he saw it! He doesn’t remember it of course, as he was only a baby……….but he SAW it!!
We recorded it on my old reel to reel too!!
I also liked Flight of the Navigator. I have had a copy of this for years and watched it again last Christmas…………COMPLIANCE!!
Looking forward to more of your videos and your very interesting blogs.
Well done Tiger!